China dissident faces 15 years in jail

Shang Baojun, Liu's lawyer, told CNN that the trial was finished, and sentencing was scheduled for Friday. Liu has been accused of "inciting subversion" by Chinese authorities.

A few dozen supporters of Liu gathered outside the courthouse, waving signs and wearing placards.

Liu, a former university lecturer and literary critic, faces a possible 15-year jail sentence, amid growing international outrage over his year-long detention, according to media reports.

On Monday, the Times of London quoted Liu's wife, Liu Xia, as saying, "I have no hope whatsoever, I can't even attend the trial."

She told CNN Wednesday that police prevented her from leaving their home.

She said she planned to wait outside the courthouse.

"I think he will be sentenced to more than 10 years," she said.